The girls\u2019 final was fiercely contested. Led by an outstanding performance by Samarnika Sahu, who scored 12 points, Odisha emerged victorious. This win marked redemption for Odisha, which had to settle for silver in the 2024 edition in Tamil Nadu. This time, the team wrote a new chapter in Odisha\u2019s sports history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win was hard-earned. Odisha was trailing 10-16 at one stage but showed incredible resilience and fighting spirit to come back strong to clinch the title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Odisha girls coach Chaudhury Parthasarathi Mohapatra was jubilant after the final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLast time we lost to them. This time, the instruction was clear to play without any pressure. We have a good bunch of junior and senior players. I am really thrilled that our team beat the formidable Maharashtra,\u201d Mohapatra told SAI Media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is a historic performance by our girls. They have shown immense determination and skill. We won gold two years ago, and we\u2019re back on top. The Odisha Government has been giving us great support, and this result is a testament to that,\u201d he said. \u201cWe came with one goal -- to become champions. Our girls turned that vision into reality,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Parthasarathi Mohapatra, who coaches athletes at the High Performance Centre (HPC) in Puri, pointed out that this was not the first time Odisha had challenged Maharashtra\u2019s dominance. \u201cOver the last three to four years, Odisha has defeated Maharashtra several times. This performance proves that we\u2019re not just contenders \u2014 we\u2019re serious challengers.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In contrast, the boys\u2019 final followed a different script. Odisha\u2019s boys, despite a strong start, couldn\u2019t keep pace with the experienced Maharashtra team and eventually lost 34-25, securing the silver medal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe were aiming for two gold medals, but I\u2019m happy the boys gave their best and won silver. It\u2019s still a big achievement. Maharashtra is a very strong team with a great track record, but Odisha\u2019s steady rise in Kho-kho is due to the hard work of our players and the development efforts of the Government,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The boys' bronze went to Karnataka and Punjab. Karnataka saw off Punjab under the minimum chase rule for some extra bragging rights. The girls' bronze went to Punjab and Delhi, with the former winning under the minimum chase rule after a 2-2 tie.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Avinash Kumar, a physical education teacher at the Gyan Bharti World School, believed KIYG would prove to be a game-changer for Bihar. \u201cThe infrastructure has improved. More sporting centres are opening around the State. There is no looking back from here. KIYG discussion is a part of our lives nowadays,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ansh Raj, a 10th-grade student, looked mesmerised by the lively occasion. \u201cI have been playing kho-kho myself since childhood. When I was told we would be coming here to witness the Kho-kho finals in BIPARD, my joy knew no bounds. It feels great to be here. A great learning experience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ansh Raj, who attended the Bihar selection trials in Gaya, said KIYG would provide a massive boost to the sporting culture in Bihar. \u201cWe are considered backwards in the other States. But we have a lot of potential. It\u2019s a great opportunity for us to showcase Bihar\u2019s talent. We are grateful to the Bihar Government,\u201d the lanky lad said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The results:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Boys (final): Maharashtra beat Odisha 34-25; Bronze medals: Karnataka and Punjab.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The results:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n